Defensive Effort Adds Up To Zero

December 5, 1999|By JORDAN RODACK Special to the Sun-Sentinel

MIAMI — All eyes have been locked on the University of Miami offense recently, trying to figure out who would be the starting running back and then how the team would react to Ken Dorsey at quarterback.

With the Hurricanes scoring 155 points in their past three games, all questions have been answered.

With all that attention on the offense, the Miami defense has suddenly turned hot. After Saturday's 55-0 rout of Temple at the Orange Bowl, the Hurricanes' second shutout in three games, the defense is on a roll.

"The defense was stingy like we've been the past few weeks," coach Butch Davis said. "Defensive football has definitely grown."

Against Temple, the defense continued to do what its been doing for the past three weeks.

Temple's offense was limited to 138 total yards and 12 first downs. Miami's defense also came up with two interceptions and allowed the Owls to get past the 50 just twice.

In the past three games, the Hurricanes have given up just 13 points, picked off four passes and held opponents to an average of 189 yards per game -- including 64 total yards to Rutgers two weeks ago.

Davis couldn't be happier, and hopes it will continue through the Gator Bowl on Jan. 1.

"Today's game was a great way to end the season," Davis said. "The defense is playing with confidence.

"We're staying healthy. We were playing on patchwork [in the middle of the season]. And as [linebacker] Chris Campbell came back from suspension, he's helped to solidify our defense."

Davis isn't the only one pleased with the strong defensive effort.

"The whole key to playing a good game on defense is relaxing," senior left tackle Matt Sweeney said. "It's all about relaxing and having fun.

"When you see guys slapping each other and just having fun, you know we're relaxed. And we've been like that for the past few weeks now."

Sweeney hopes the defense can go out strong in the coming Gator Bowl.

"These past few games have been great for momentum going into the Gator Bowl," Sweeney said. "Coming up with a big game in the Gator Bowl would be a good way for us seniors to go out."

But the defense will have to adjust to a more powerful Georgia Tech offense.

"We'll have to do different things against Georgia Tech to have a good game," Sweeney said. "We'll have to change up our style a little bit, but I'm confident we can come out of that game with a win."